Tom Waits — Ol'55
Album: Closing TimeAvg rating:
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Length: 3:56
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Well, my time went so quickly
I went lickety-splitly
Out to my ol' 55
As I pulled away slowly
Feeling so holy
God knows I was feeling alive
Now, the sun's coming up
I'm riding with Lady Luck
Freeway, cars and trucks
Stars beginning to fade
And I lead the parade
Just a-wishin' I'd stayed a little longer
Oh Lord, let me tell ya that the feeling getting stronger
And it's six in the morning
Gave me no warning
I had to be on my way
Well, there's trucks all a-passin' me
And the lights all are flashing
I'm on my way home from your place
And now the sun's coming up
And I'm riding with Lady Luck
Freeway, cars and trucks
Stars beginning to fade
And I lead the parade
Just a-wishin' I'd stayed a little longer
Oh Lord, let me tell ya, the feeling getting stronger
And my time went so quickly
I went lickety-splitly
Out to my ol' 55
As I pulled away slowly
Feeling so holy
God knows I was feeling alive
And now the sun's coming up
I'm riding with Lady Luck
Freeway, cars and trucks
Freeway, cars and trucks
Freeway, cars and trucks
I went lickety-splitly
Out to my ol' 55
As I pulled away slowly
Feeling so holy
God knows I was feeling alive
Now, the sun's coming up
I'm riding with Lady Luck
Freeway, cars and trucks
Stars beginning to fade
And I lead the parade
Just a-wishin' I'd stayed a little longer
Oh Lord, let me tell ya that the feeling getting stronger
And it's six in the morning
Gave me no warning
I had to be on my way
Well, there's trucks all a-passin' me
And the lights all are flashing
I'm on my way home from your place
And now the sun's coming up
And I'm riding with Lady Luck
Freeway, cars and trucks
Stars beginning to fade
And I lead the parade
Just a-wishin' I'd stayed a little longer
Oh Lord, let me tell ya, the feeling getting stronger
And my time went so quickly
I went lickety-splitly
Out to my ol' 55
As I pulled away slowly
Feeling so holy
God knows I was feeling alive
And now the sun's coming up
I'm riding with Lady Luck
Freeway, cars and trucks
Freeway, cars and trucks
Freeway, cars and trucks
Comments (182)add comment
To the best of my knowledge, this is the first and only time the words "lickety-splitly" have ever been used in a song.
Montreal_Mort wrote:
I found a live version on bing, and I am moved. That's got all the flavor.
Check out early Sarah McLaughlin version. Hard to find. So EXCELLENT
I found a live version on bing, and I am moved. That's got all the flavor.
Montreal_Mort wrote:
wow. i'll have to check that out. i'm ashamed to say the only version of this i was familiar with was by the Eagles. and i always thought it was called Freeways, Cars and Trucks. boy am i a doofus.
Check out early Sarah McLaughlin version. Hard to find. So EXCELLENT
wow. i'll have to check that out. i'm ashamed to say the only version of this i was familiar with was by the Eagles. and i always thought it was called Freeways, Cars and Trucks. boy am i a doofus.
Check out early Sarah McLaughlin version. Hard to find. So EXCELLENT
No other God, but Tom.
Godlike.
Pure magic.
Pure magic.Will be first tune to be played at my eulogy. Had a pair of 55's. Ford and Olds. Sweet rides both. Traded the Olds for a Triumph Daytona. No regrets.
Tom Waits He's always had a special place in my heart. A guy with a voice, in the best of times, like ten miles of very bad road.
But there's always something about it. I dunno, maybe his selection of songs, and those he may have written himself, they always seem perfect for the voice. His has been a very fine career, and dare I say life, arc? Something I'll bet sometimes leaves him with a sense of "who'da thunk it," bemusement.
And for all that, if you'll allow this digression, I have to say I'd pay a ton of ganja cash (heh) to have seen what might have been produced if he and Ricki Lee Jones had settled down, done the hokey pokey and had kids.
Maybe that's the case in another reality. If the quantum wave function had collapsed differently who knows. Then again., such a pairing might have been too much for one cosmos to bear, so the odds of it happening probably border on naaaah?
In any case so it goes.
But there's always something about it. I dunno, maybe his selection of songs, and those he may have written himself, they always seem perfect for the voice. His has been a very fine career, and dare I say life, arc? Something I'll bet sometimes leaves him with a sense of "who'da thunk it," bemusement.
And for all that, if you'll allow this digression, I have to say I'd pay a ton of ganja cash (heh) to have seen what might have been produced if he and Ricki Lee Jones had settled down, done the hokey pokey and had kids.
Maybe that's the case in another reality. If the quantum wave function had collapsed differently who knows. Then again., such a pairing might have been too much for one cosmos to bear, so the odds of it happening probably border on naaaah?
In any case so it goes.
Just love this tune. Brings a can't wipe it off grin.
The Eagles cover ain't bad 'neither.
Thank you Tom.
The Eagles cover ain't bad 'neither.
Thank you Tom.
jlind wrote:
Congratulations! .... ?
I am online
Congratulations! .... ?
Now there's the freakin classic
Edweirdo wrote:
Except Tom Waits wrote the song ....
I wonder if he cashed the royalty checks thanks to those boring old Eagles?
Except Tom Waits wrote the song ....
I wonder if he cashed the royalty checks thanks to those boring old Eagles?
I am online
When I first heard this I remember thinking it sounded like a Jim Croce song from someone with a weird voice.
a real masterpiece. just wonderful.
xkolibuul wrote:
Kinda cheeky when you're covering them...
Except Tom Waits wrote the song ....
Kinda cheeky when you're covering them...
Except Tom Waits wrote the song ....
I love everything you play. Cheers to you both!
ColdMiser wrote:
Ooof....that's pretty close to hitting below the belt there Tom.
And I'd expect no less from him, either, given he's a primate attuned to being a caustic examiner of the human condition.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
“Naw – I don’t like the Eagles. They’re about as exciting as watching
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
Ooof....that's pretty close to hitting below the belt there Tom.
And I'd expect no less from him, either, given he's a primate attuned to being a caustic examiner of the human condition.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
tom waits "romantic album"? I loved it - and this song is my favorite on it
Surprised at the number of comments preferring the Eagles cover of this.
This is definitely a 9 from me and no less.
This is definitely a 9 from me and no less.
h8rhater wrote:
Wow... the h8 usually comes from the commenters here, but this time it comes from the original artist. I love Tom's original version but the harmonies and quality of the Eagles version cannot be denied. Not better, just different. Some might even argue that the cover drew more attention to the original than it did to itself. Maybe that's what truly got his goat so to speak. Still, it's sad to see an artist cast aspersions on another that saw fit to honor his artistry with a cover. Then again, Eagles h8 has always been in style.
I agree. Give me the original. Sorry Tom.
Wow... the h8 usually comes from the commenters here, but this time it comes from the original artist. I love Tom's original version but the harmonies and quality of the Eagles version cannot be denied. Not better, just different. Some might even argue that the cover drew more attention to the original than it did to itself. Maybe that's what truly got his goat so to speak. Still, it's sad to see an artist cast aspersions on another that saw fit to honor his artistry with a cover. Then again, Eagles h8 has always been in style.
I agree. Give me the original. Sorry Tom.
eileenomurphy wrote:
Too funny!
Kinda cheeky when you're covering them...
Too funny!
Kinda cheeky when you're covering them...
ColdMiser wrote:
Too funny!
“Naw – I don’t like the Eagles. They’re about as exciting as watching
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
Too funny!
ColdMiser wrote:
Wow... the h8 usually comes from the commenters here, but this time it comes from the original artist. I love Tom's original version but the harmonies and quality of the Eagles version cannot be denied. Not better, just different. Some might even argue that the cover drew more attention to the original than it did to itself. Maybe that's what truly got his goat so to speak. Still, it's sad to see an artist cast aspersions on another that saw fit to honor his artistry with a cover. Then again, Eagles h8 has always been in style.
“Naw – I don’t like the Eagles. They’re about as exciting as watching
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
Wow... the h8 usually comes from the commenters here, but this time it comes from the original artist. I love Tom's original version but the harmonies and quality of the Eagles version cannot be denied. Not better, just different. Some might even argue that the cover drew more attention to the original than it did to itself. Maybe that's what truly got his goat so to speak. Still, it's sad to see an artist cast aspersions on another that saw fit to honor his artistry with a cover. Then again, Eagles h8 has always been in style.
Cool song. 8
RallyX wrote:
I found this posted by Lazarus under the Kate Bush - Love and Anger comments:
Ann Lucas passed away February 6, 2012, at University of Utah Medical Center, at age 55 due to a subdural hematoma, which required surgery. She was put on life support, but after three days without signs of improvement, her family made the difficult decision to discontinue life support and donate her organs on the 6th.
Ann was born on Oct. 12, 1956, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Buss and Dorothy Stepp, who encouraged her to follow her dreams. One dream was to become a published author, which she achieved in 2010 with her novel "Life-Dance". She also wrote fan fiction for the television show "La Femme Nikita".
Ann was also a freelance correspondent for the "Elko Independent" newspaper and had a recurring column called "Shaking the Tree", as well as writing articles for "Elko Daily Free Press".
A small photo of Cynaera can be found at:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86950007/ann-lucas
Burial: unknown
I found this posted by Lazarus under the Kate Bush - Love and Anger comments:
Ann Lucas passed away February 6, 2012, at University of Utah Medical Center, at age 55 due to a subdural hematoma, which required surgery. She was put on life support, but after three days without signs of improvement, her family made the difficult decision to discontinue life support and donate her organs on the 6th.
Ann was born on Oct. 12, 1956, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Buss and Dorothy Stepp, who encouraged her to follow her dreams. One dream was to become a published author, which she achieved in 2010 with her novel "Life-Dance". She also wrote fan fiction for the television show "La Femme Nikita".
Ann was also a freelance correspondent for the "Elko Independent" newspaper and had a recurring column called "Shaking the Tree", as well as writing articles for "Elko Daily Free Press".
A small photo of Cynaera can be found at:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/86950007/ann-lucas
Burial: unknown
Listened to this as album as a happy teenager. Special memories.
Wow. He was jyust just 24 years old when he wrto
Attention chef-d'oeuvre !!
Damn I love Tom
Classic
Tom Waits almost singing this will raise my praise to a 2.
this one is so fine, everytime I hear it I think of a drive from a girlfriends place and I smile. good memory for not that a nice of a period of time.
ColdMiser wrote:
Ha! And that just about captures the essence of the distinction between one artistic temperament and another doesn't it. Me I tend to lean towards 'ol Tom's sentiments, though as time has gone by his voice has turned into 10 miles of very bad road....and I say that in the nicest of ways....
Now excuse me while I.......
Highlow
American Net'Zen
“Naw – I don’t like the Eagles. They’re about as exciting as watching
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
Ha! And that just about captures the essence of the distinction between one artistic temperament and another doesn't it. Me I tend to lean towards 'ol Tom's sentiments, though as time has gone by his voice has turned into 10 miles of very bad road....and I say that in the nicest of ways....
Now excuse me while I.......
Highlow
American Net'Zen
If you ever have been in the situation described in this song, he dies a perfect job of capturing the moment.
Instead of Ol'55, it was Ol' 1970 Nova.
Instead of Ol'55, it was Ol' 1970 Nova.
8 --> 9.
New to me. Sounds like they didn't know what to do with Tom at this early stage. I'm sure they realized pretty quickly that Ol Tom was no peaceful easy feelin kinda guy
Tom Waits...for no man.
legend.
How can Tom Waits do so many different things with his voice. This one sounds like John Prine.
A special song.
expatlar wrote:
Now that's funny.
Only thing wrong with this song is that it reminds me of the Eagles.
Now that's funny.
“Naw – I don’t like the Eagles. They’re about as exciting as watching
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
paint dry. Their albums are good for keeping the dust off your
turntable and that’s about all.” - Tom Waits
What happened to his voice after this?
Too many cigarettes, too much booze, too much forcing of the vocal chords to achieve a grungy singing style?
Who knows but in 1973 he could actually sing!
Too many cigarettes, too much booze, too much forcing of the vocal chords to achieve a grungy singing style?
Who knows but in 1973 he could actually sing!
This was my intro to TW and only came about when staying with my sister for an evening and being given a cassette with this on...thinking that The Eagles version was the original ! It's now one of my all-time favourite albums....
The beginning of a fabulous career. Ask The Bob.
SmackDaddy wrote:
What happened to her? Why did she go away?
I found this posted by Lazarus under the Kate Bush - Love and Anger comments:
What happened to her? Why did she go away?
I found this posted by Lazarus under the Kate Bush - Love and Anger comments:
Ann Lucas passed away February 6, 2012, at University of Utah Medical Center, at age 55 due to a subdural hematoma, which required surgery. She was put on life support, but after three days without signs of improvement, her family made the difficult decision to discontinue life support and donate her organs on the 6th.
Ann was born on Oct. 12, 1956, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Buss and Dorothy Stepp, who encouraged her to follow her dreams. One dream was to become a published author, which she achieved in 2010 with her novel "Life-Dance". She also wrote fan fiction for the television show "La Femme Nikita".
Ann was also a freelance correspondent for the "Elko Independent" newspaper and had a recurring column called "Shaking the Tree", as well as writing articles for "Elko Daily Free Press".
lizardking wrote:
What happened to her? Why did she go away?
Cynaera wrote:
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
Ann - How's the tequila in the radioparadiseland in the clouds? You are NOT forgotten, completely missed, and a reminder to (me at least) drop the ego and enjoy the moment. Long Live RP and Cynaera Posts!!!
OH....this early Waits is great, and while 8 would rhyme, I'll go with 9 (HAHA!)
What happened to her? Why did she go away?
Cynaera wrote:
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
Ann - How's the tequila in the radioparadiseland in the clouds? You are NOT forgotten, completely missed, and a reminder to (me at least) drop the ego and enjoy the moment. Long Live RP and Cynaera Posts!!!
OH....this early Waits is great, and while 8 would rhyme, I'll go with 9 (HAHA!)
...and then there's Tom fishing with John. He could have hummed Ol'55. I like the beginning statement... "Having destroyed their car...."
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fishing+with+john+tom+waits&view=detail&mid=115270738F1A3899A820115270738F1A3899A820&FORM=VIRE
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fishing+with+john+tom+waits&view=detail&mid=115270738F1A3899A820115270738F1A3899A820&FORM=VIRE
Only thing wrong with this song is that it reminds me of the Eagles.
Cynaera wrote:
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
It's so unfortunate she wasn't able to stay forever. I sure miss this lady's insightful, witty, creative posts. I too am grateful to Bill for introducing me to the album. It's a stunner.
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
It's so unfortunate she wasn't able to stay forever. I sure miss this lady's insightful, witty, creative posts. I too am grateful to Bill for introducing me to the album. It's a stunner.
Hoosfoos wrote:
Hey man,
It ain't Tom's fault. The piano has been drinking! Ha!
Kill it with fire before it lays eggs.
Hey man,
It ain't Tom's fault. The piano has been drinking! Ha!
Hoosfoos wrote:
You rate pretty much every song on RP sucko barfo.
Why not listen to a station that plays music you like?
Kill it with fire before it lays eggs.
You rate pretty much every song on RP sucko barfo.
Why not listen to a station that plays music you like?
Kill it with fire before it lays eggs.
Terrible, burn this.
Skydog wrote:
from Wiki;
In the live version on the Eagles box set, Frey mentions this as well. And then he also mentions that Tom got a nice check one day in the mail (which I'm sure are still coming 43 years later), and he then he quit bitching about it.
from Wiki;
Tom Waits has been critical of the Eagles' cover version of the song, admitting that he was "not that particularly crazy about (their) rendition of it ... I thought their version was a little antiseptic."
In the live version on the Eagles box set, Frey mentions this as well. And then he also mentions that Tom got a nice check one day in the mail (which I'm sure are still coming 43 years later), and he then he quit bitching about it.
Highlowsel wrote:
Yes, I much prefer human-generated noise.
This is the reason why music done by humans (for humans) is the best. Computer generated noise may have its place ...
Yes, I much prefer human-generated noise.
This is the reason why music done by humans (for humans) is the best. Computer generated noise may have its place but can never equal such as this.
Now I will never, EVER, argue that 'ol Tom is a Pavarotti when it comes to singing. Truth be told his is a sound akin to ten miles of very bad road.
But even so...there's just something about his stuff...especially his younger stuff...that grabs my ear. Like Jack Daniels drunk warm filtered thru a wool sock (umm...not that I would know anything about that sort of thing, heh), he's something of an acquired taste. But very tasty in his fashion.
Now I will never, EVER, argue that 'ol Tom is a Pavarotti when it comes to singing. Truth be told his is a sound akin to ten miles of very bad road.
But even so...there's just something about his stuff...especially his younger stuff...that grabs my ear. Like Jack Daniels drunk warm filtered thru a wool sock (umm...not that I would know anything about that sort of thing, heh), he's something of an acquired taste. But very tasty in his fashion.
Always thought that this was one of his best. Truly splendid on this gorgeous early autumn day with cerulean sky and cottony clouds...
Yes, I'm an Eagles fan, mostly their older stuff. I like their cover of this one, but Tom owns this. That said, what's wrong with liking both?
Such a terrific album, especially being a debut....so many great songs, sung with such feeling. I Hope That I Don't Fall In Love With You is one of my all-time favorites - top 10. Martha is great. As for Ol'55 - a classic Tom Waits song especially with his vocal style. Yes, he's an acquired taste but one well worth acquiring. Just a terrific singer-song writer.
Skydog wrote:
from Wiki;
Last evening the ol' car radio played the Eagles cover of this song. I came home and immediately put Waits on - to hear it and wash the Eagle's cover out of my head.
from Wiki;
Tom Waits has been critical of the Eagles' cover version of the song, admitting that he was "not that particularly crazy about (their) rendition of it ... I thought their version was a little antiseptic."
Last evening the ol' car radio played the Eagles cover of this song. I came home and immediately put Waits on - to hear it and wash the Eagle's cover out of my head.
Fuck yes, I love this.
from Wiki;
Tom Waits has been critical of the Eagles' cover version of the song, admitting that he was "not that particularly crazy about (their) rendition of it ... I thought their version was a little antiseptic."
kcar wrote:
He had a lot of fun in Coppola's "Dracula." His character Renfield completely loses his shit and Tom hits it out of the park. The movie is completely over the top and critics panned it at the time but hey: Bram Stoker wrote a pot boiler. It was Victorian pulp fiction. Don't expect nuance. Coppola supposedly only did it for the money but the cast was great (Gary Oldman...my God, he does rage better than almost anyone. Keanu Reeves' dimwittedness was actually in character.) and the ending is devastating.
Please do not give this man a kitten...
Nor even a very big cat.
He had a lot of fun in Coppola's "Dracula." His character Renfield completely loses his shit and Tom hits it out of the park. The movie is completely over the top and critics panned it at the time but hey: Bram Stoker wrote a pot boiler. It was Victorian pulp fiction. Don't expect nuance. Coppola supposedly only did it for the money but the cast was great (Gary Oldman...my God, he does rage better than almost anyone. Keanu Reeves' dimwittedness was actually in character.) and the ending is devastating.
Please do not give this man a kitten...
Nor even a very big cat.
ngunnell wrote:
Can't deny that Eagles make great backround music... not something i imagine Tom aspires to.
Lord, that's the most seriously awful song I've heard since tuning into Radio Paradise. From the album Closing Time apparently. Yes please, close and don't reopen. Eagles version way better, to my ears.
Mostly I work to RP in the background but I couldn't ignore that. Distractingly bad!
Mostly I work to RP in the background but I couldn't ignore that. Distractingly bad!
Can't deny that Eagles make great backround music... not something i imagine Tom aspires to.
better after the third cocktail
What a great song.
You gotta be there to sing it, baby.
But has the piano been drinking?
You gotta be there to sing it, baby.
But has the piano been drinking?
Heard this in the grocery store today. Not sure what to make of it.
mrmagoo wrote:
Got to listening one time, and imagined a different narrative. A old soul on their last journey on this earth. "Time went so quickly…" "Feeling so quickly…" "Leading the parade…"
If you let yourself imagine an old, tired soul singing this instead of someone who just got lucky, it's painfully bittersweet but amazing.
At least I thought so, dammit. Happy Friday!
It's about a guy who just got "lucky" with his girlfriend for the first time. He's driving home, in his 55 chevy w/dice hanging from the mirror. Right now for him, life can't get any better. Hmm maybe this song is about me a long time ago?
Got to listening one time, and imagined a different narrative. A old soul on their last journey on this earth. "Time went so quickly…" "Feeling so quickly…" "Leading the parade…"
If you let yourself imagine an old, tired soul singing this instead of someone who just got lucky, it's painfully bittersweet but amazing.
At least I thought so, dammit. Happy Friday!
Thanks for playing this...all I ever hear these days is the Eagles' version. AND YOU KNOW WHAT THE DUDE SAID ABOUT THE EAGLES!
my favorite version of this song. Old Tom may have a horrible voice, but damn, in this song, it is perfect. I've been a Waits fan for a long time, and this is one of the songs that showcase his ability to set mood and tone, blending his gnarled voice perfectly with the piano, singing lyrics that are much more than bubblegum vacuous blatherings. He actually says something with his lyrics.
....... Luv the track, luv the album a lot. Big FAT G O D L I K E ScottN wrote:
He had a lot of fun in Coppola's "Dracula." His character Renfield completely loses his shit and Tom hits it out of the park. The movie is completely over the top and critics panned it at the time but hey: Bram Stoker wrote a pot boiler. It was Victorian pulp fiction. Don't expect nuance. Coppola supposedly only did it for the money but the cast was great (Gary Oldman...my God, he does rage better than almost anyone. Keanu Reeves' dimwittedness was actually in character.) and the ending is devastating.
Please do not give this man a kitten...
I really appreciate how Waits survived through his "vocal troubles" to re-make himself and now sings songs like Get Behind the Mule!
He is underrated as an actor too, imo.
He is underrated as an actor too, imo.
He had a lot of fun in Coppola's "Dracula." His character Renfield completely loses his shit and Tom hits it out of the park. The movie is completely over the top and critics panned it at the time but hey: Bram Stoker wrote a pot boiler. It was Victorian pulp fiction. Don't expect nuance. Coppola supposedly only did it for the money but the cast was great (Gary Oldman...my God, he does rage better than almost anyone. Keanu Reeves' dimwittedness was actually in character.) and the ending is devastating.
Please do not give this man a kitten...
It's about a guy who just got "lucky" with his girlfriend for the first time. He's driving home, in his 55 chevy w/dice hanging from the mirror. Right now for him, life can't get any better. Hmm maybe this song is about me a long time ago?
I normally don't care for Tom Waits, but I like this. 8
ngunnell wrote:
Ha! No question the man has a voice like 10 miles of bad road; and truth be told it's only gotten worse with time. But even so there's something about this tune that suits him. Or maybe it's just that I've done time in small smoky bars and watched with bemusement the rise of the sun from behind the wheel when by rights I should'a been heading to work. He nails the atmospherics perfectly.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Lord, that's the most seriously awful song I've heard since tuning into Radio Paradise. From the album Closing Time apparently. Yes please, close and don't reopen. Eagles version way better, to my ears.
Mostly I work to RP in the background but I couldn't ignore that. Distractingly bad!
Mostly I work to RP in the background but I couldn't ignore that. Distractingly bad!
Ha! No question the man has a voice like 10 miles of bad road; and truth be told it's only gotten worse with time. But even so there's something about this tune that suits him. Or maybe it's just that I've done time in small smoky bars and watched with bemusement the rise of the sun from behind the wheel when by rights I should'a been heading to work. He nails the atmospherics perfectly.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Lord, that's the most seriously awful song I've heard since tuning into Radio Paradise. From the album Closing Time apparently. Yes please, close and don't reopen. Eagles version way better, to my ears.
Mostly I work to RP in the background but I couldn't ignore that. Distractingly bad!
Mostly I work to RP in the background but I couldn't ignore that. Distractingly bad!
Just to make some space from the negativity. Love this song. Love Tom Waits. And, IMHO, the Eagles version was quite tolerable, too.
"I hate the f****ing Eagles," the Dude. (I don't, however, especially their early stuff.)
This album cover always reminded me of a museum exhibit, possibly entitled: Frustrated Musician, circa late 20th century.
This album cover always reminded me of a museum exhibit, possibly entitled: Frustrated Musician, circa late 20th century.
another fine failure from the king of shite.
I really appreciate how Waits survived through his "vocal troubles" to re-make himself and now sings songs like Get Behind the Mule!
He is underrated as an actor too, imo.
He is underrated as an actor too, imo.
Feels like home.
tuttle99 wrote:
Yes.
Tom just keeps getting better with age...like a 30-yr old single malt Scotch whiskey for the ears...
Yes.
This is my all time favorite Tom Waits song, makes me stop what I'm doing and just star singing along, Love it.
sieversfam wrote:
To me the beauty of this song is the "bar room" motif, and the perfection lies in it's..imperfection.
I'll always be a fan of "early" Tom Waits for this very reason - the sound of dives and juke joints, down-alley bars and the kind of bands you hear in out-of-the-way places.
I got to see him in '75 during the tour behind "Nighthawks at the Diner." Man, that was one of the best shows ever. Thanks, Jamie, for bringing Waits to my attention.
To me the beauty of this song is the "bar room" motif, and the perfection lies in it's..imperfection.
I'll always be a fan of "early" Tom Waits for this very reason - the sound of dives and juke joints, down-alley bars and the kind of bands you hear in out-of-the-way places.
I got to see him in '75 during the tour behind "Nighthawks at the Diner." Man, that was one of the best shows ever. Thanks, Jamie, for bringing Waits to my attention.
That_SOB wrote:
"I wonder what Tom would have said if the Beach Boys had covered the song ?"
HA! Probably the same thing Pat Metheny thinks of Kenny G's jazz cababilities?
Just thinkin' out loud...
Highlow
American Net'Zen
"Ol' '55" is a song written and recorded by Tom Waits. It is the first track on Waits' debut album, Closing Time, released in 1973. The song was covered with greater chart success by the Eagles, released on their 1974 album On the Border.
Waits himself has been critical of cover versions of the song, saying he was "not that particularly crazy about rendition of it ... I thought their version was a little antiseptic." - - - — — - -: From Wikipedia
Henley probably took that as a compliment. I wonder what Tom would have said if the Beach Boys had covered the song ?
"I wonder what Tom would have said if the Beach Boys had covered the song ?"
HA! Probably the same thing Pat Metheny thinks of Kenny G's jazz cababilities?
Just thinkin' out loud...
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Sasha2001 wrote:
Song = 3
Comment = 10 Someone's going to have to eplain to me how this is better than the (early 70s) Eagles because I cant figure out why I'm listening to this and not anything off of Desperado. Yeah, I know FM radio killed the Eagles for everyone, but this just sounds like a poor mans version of Frey and co.
LOL. Oh, Sasha. You're a Top 40 Radio devotee, right? I'll take this version over the Eagles "cover" any day, and 2x on Sunday. If people want perfected, tight harmonies, in a pop-inspired song structure, well, have fun with that.
To me the beauty of this song is the "bar room" motif, and the perfection lies in it's..imperfection.
Now go back to your Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" CD.
Song = 3
Comment = 10 Someone's going to have to eplain to me how this is better than the (early 70s) Eagles because I cant figure out why I'm listening to this and not anything off of Desperado. Yeah, I know FM radio killed the Eagles for everyone, but this just sounds like a poor mans version of Frey and co.
LOL. Oh, Sasha. You're a Top 40 Radio devotee, right? I'll take this version over the Eagles "cover" any day, and 2x on Sunday. If people want perfected, tight harmonies, in a pop-inspired song structure, well, have fun with that.
To me the beauty of this song is the "bar room" motif, and the perfection lies in it's..imperfection.
Now go back to your Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" CD.
Baketown wrote:
Are you a recovering addict from Image Music?
This the first time I have heard the original! Thanks for playing
Are you a recovering addict from Image Music?
This the first time I have heard the original! Thanks for playing
Sasha2001 wrote:
Song = 3
Comment = 10 Someone's going to have to eplain to me how this is better than the (early 70s) Eagles because I cant figure out why I'm listening to this and not anything off of Desperado. Yeah, I know FM radio killed the Eagles for everyone, but this just sounds like a poor mans version of Frey and co.
Sasha:
You've got me scratching my head. If the song is so bad, why do you think the Eagles felt compelled to cover it?
Best wishes.
Song = 3
Comment = 10 Someone's going to have to eplain to me how this is better than the (early 70s) Eagles because I cant figure out why I'm listening to this and not anything off of Desperado. Yeah, I know FM radio killed the Eagles for everyone, but this just sounds like a poor mans version of Frey and co.
Sasha:
You've got me scratching my head. If the song is so bad, why do you think the Eagles felt compelled to cover it?
Best wishes.
Tom just keeps getting better with age...like a 30-yr old single malt Scotch whiskey for the ears...
rdo wrote:
Song = 3
Comment = 10
Someone's going to have to eplain to me how this is better than the (early 70s) Eagles because I cant figure out why I'm listening to this and not anything off of Desperado. Yeah, I know FM radio killed the Eagles for everyone, but this just sounds like a poor mans version of Frey and co.
Shut up Waits.
Song = 3
Comment = 10
Someone's going to have to eplain to me how this is better than the (early 70s) Eagles because I cant figure out why I'm listening to this and not anything off of Desperado. Yeah, I know FM radio killed the Eagles for everyone, but this just sounds like a poor mans version of Frey and co.
This not an artist I have ever cared for (this is the only album of his I can tolerate). But this album jumps me back 35 years to a time and to a group of friends that represented one of the happiest times of my life. Music as a time machine.
Same words as always, but some salty,less beach town sound... more All-America flavor... Thanks
Shut up Waits.
The only Tom Waits album that I love.
A solid 9.
A solid 9.
Umberdog wrote:
Many nice songs were written in that period! Very nice one, btw.!!
Tom waits is cool.
Many nice songs were written in that period! Very nice one, btw.!!
Tom waits is cool.
pinto wrote:
Actually it was Glenn Frey and not Don Henley, but who's counting?
Oh yea, my bad, I always mix those 2 up. I am sure they would be glad to hear that knowing how they hate each other!
Actually it was Glenn Frey and not Don Henley, but who's counting?
Oh yea, my bad, I always mix those 2 up. I am sure they would be glad to hear that knowing how they hate each other!
sirdroseph wrote:
Actually it was Glenn Frey and not Don Henley, but who's counting?
I know, I know everyone hates The Eagles, but you gotta give em credit, this is a beautiful song and Don Henley (I know, I know, he is a prick) does a great job on vocals with it. I love Tom Waits, but prefer The Eagles version of this particular song. Both are great though!
Actually it was Glenn Frey and not Don Henley, but who's counting?
newwavegurly wrote:
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
I fully admit that I have come to the Tom Waits fan pool rather late. I've known who he is for quite a while, and recognized him in his various film roles/cameos, but it wasn't until I started listening to RP that I started appreciating him as a musician.
So thank you, BillG. Thank you for opening my mind and heart to another musician. You continue to do this on an almost daily basis and it's why I'm still listening after all of these years.
So thank you, BillG. Thank you for opening my mind and heart to another musician. You continue to do this on an almost daily basis and it's why I'm still listening after all of these years.
I just wanna hug you. Sometimes realization takes its own sweet time. I'm still learning, and, like you, I keep listening because I never know what I'll discover. This is the most bestest place to be. Got my metaphorical toes dug into the sand and a margarita in my hand - looking at the ocean and pretty much planning to stay in radioparadiseland forever.
Brilliant. ...And I lead the parade, Just wishin' I'd stayed a little longer...
I know, I know everyone hates The Eagles, but you gotta give em credit, this is a beautiful song and Don Henley (I know, I know, he is a prick) does a great job on vocals with it. I love Tom Waits, but prefer The Eagles version of this particular song. Both are great though!
I fully admit that I have come to the Tom Waits fan pool rather late. I've known who he is for quite a while, and recognized him in his various film roles/cameos, but it wasn't until I started listening to RP that I started appreciating him as a musician.
So thank you, BillG. Thank you for opening my mind and heart to another musician. You continue to do this on an almost daily basis and it's why I'm still listening after all of these years.
So thank you, BillG. Thank you for opening my mind and heart to another musician. You continue to do this on an almost daily basis and it's why I'm still listening after all of these years.
"Ol' '55" is a song written and recorded by Tom Waits. It is the first track on Waits' debut album, Closing Time, released in 1973. The song was covered with greater chart success by the Eagles, released on their 1974 album On the Border.
Waits himself has been critical of cover versions of the song, saying he was "not that particularly crazy about
Henley probably took that as a compliment. I wonder what Tom would have said if the Beach Boys had covered the song ?
I know this from eagles. Who is the composer?
Godlike
shmuelman wrote:
shmuelman wrote:
Godlike or Outstanding? I am having trouble deciding.
_Donna wrote:
That kinda sums it up perfectly. But I still love his music. He once did an interview with Rolling Stone, and they talked about greasy-spoon restaurants. He said, "Yeah, there's this great diner I like - it's the only place you can order a tuna fish pizza with a fried egg on top... I love to chase it down with a tall, cool Janitor-in-A-Drum... I wanna walk away from there with enough gas to start my own Exxon station..."
I'm pretty sure I'm only paraphrasing part of the above quotes - wish I could find the original article, but it was in the 70's, which are sort of a blur for me now. Still, Waits is one of the most quotable artists on the map today, if only because he's so darned FUNNY in his sardonicism (is that even a word?)
Love Tom Waits...this is on WikiPedia: Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."
That kinda sums it up perfectly. But I still love his music. He once did an interview with Rolling Stone, and they talked about greasy-spoon restaurants. He said, "Yeah, there's this great diner I like - it's the only place you can order a tuna fish pizza with a fried egg on top... I love to chase it down with a tall, cool Janitor-in-A-Drum... I wanna walk away from there with enough gas to start my own Exxon station..."
I'm pretty sure I'm only paraphrasing part of the above quotes - wish I could find the original article, but it was in the 70's, which are sort of a blur for me now. Still, Waits is one of the most quotable artists on the map today, if only because he's so darned FUNNY in his sardonicism (is that even a word?)
Not really a version, the original and best!
Very nice version!!
there's a nice version out there from Ian Matthews, too
Godlike or Outstanding? I am having trouble deciding.
This is a classic album, would love to hear other tracks from it on RP.
I think Toms' voice is perfect for his material. 9
Ando wrote:
We can put a man on the moon, but we can't bring back Tom Waits' voice. What a shame.
Are you sure about that? I mean the part about the man on the moon...
I still appreciate Tom Waits' voice even through the changes.
We can put a man on the moon, but we can't bring back Tom Waits' voice. What a shame.
Are you sure about that? I mean the part about the man on the moon...
I still appreciate Tom Waits' voice even through the changes.
Love Tom Waits...this is on WikiPedia: Waits has a distinctive voice, described by critic Daniel Durchholz as sounding "like it was soaked in a vat of bourbon, left hanging in the smokehouse for a few months, and then taken outside and run over with a car."
We can put a man on the moon, but we can't bring back Tom Waits' voice. What a shame.
NickDanger wrote:
In his world, aren't those the same?
sfearll wrote:
nothing like a little Waits on a grey Sunday morning
———————————————————————————————————
Or at closing time on a Saturday night.
nothing like a little Waits on a grey Sunday morning
———————————————————————————————————
Or at closing time on a Saturday night.
In his world, aren't those the same?
Our old band used to do this one. Fast Eddie had only heard the cover, so he thought it was an Eagles song. We just looked at him.